The number 4 symbolizes earthly reality, basic structure and orientation, and stability – think of the 4 seasons, 4 directions and 4 elements of earth, air, fire and water.  Pentacles are associated with the material world, acquisitions of wealth and possessions, our connection to Earth and Nature, sensation, matters pertaining to the physical plane and the element of earth.  Pentacles can also be connected with practicality, groundedness and being realistic.  The 4 of Pentacles is often a card of being stable and balanced but also somewhat solitary and reserved.  It can describe a situation where someone is holding on to things, afraid of what will happen if she lets go.

“You are taking concrete steps towards creating security in the physical world.  You are buying the house, applying for the job, or starting an exercise program.  You are publicly taking physical, measurable action toward accomplishing a project in the “real” world.” – Gail Fairfield

The Legacy of the Divine 4 of Coins shows a man holding 4 glowing gold coins in his hands.  Is he greedily hoarding them or saving them from predators?  It’s difficult to say.  Even his expression doesn’t really give us a clue.  The Rabbit Tarot 4 of Daisies shows a black & white rabbit holding 4 daisies and seemingly dancing across the landscape.  I can easily imagine the rabbit going to visit a friend or date and bringing the daisies as an offering.  They might not be costly store-bought flowers but they show the love and care the black & white rabbit put into acquiring them.

At one point I used to see this card as representing hoarding and holding on to the riches one has in one’s life.  Looking at these two cards I can still see that aspect of it, but it has become enhanced and enriched by the idea that these resources have been gathered so that they can be offered to others at a future time.  It is one of the steps in a continuum – gathering up supplies and resources in one place so they can be distributed to those in need.  In fact considering what the 5 of Coins often represents perhaps this figure is collecting money to offer to the people in need, which would move us to the 6 of Coins.

So this makes me wonder what resources I need to be gathering in my life right now.  What riches and support can I offer to others?  What gifts can I bring to them?

Well the first thing that comes to mind is knowledge – I am a complete knowledge junkie.  I always love learning new things.  In fact I have a tendency to let my quest for and desire to attain more knowledge hold me back because I become unable to do anything unless I think I know enough about it.  That’s how I approached Tarot, school and most other things in my life.  If i don’t feel that I have at least an intermediate level knowledge base I feel like a fraud.  Of course the flaw in that thinking is that I never feel as though I’ve achieved that level.

Considering this is the suit of Coins, I would also add that I have a very practical, grounded approach to things.  I’m not big on adding unnecessary bow and frills to things.  Okay perhaps that could be considered more of a Swords quality but I hope that I am able to offset it by being a bit nurturing and supportive too.  I also think it’s suggesting that I have the ability to help others manifest their own dreams and desires into reality.  My combination of knowledge, sharp wit and practicality may be what I can offer to others; the gift I can bring to them.

In fact I rather like the image of me gathering my resources to help those that are lost in the darkness or dealing with difficult times.  It appeals to me because it makes me realize that one of the main reasons I want to use Tarot cards to help others is because I want to make a difference.  I don’t necessarily want to become famous or well-known but I do want to feel as though I’ve made a difference.  It’s not about power or needing to feel omnipotent.  It’s that I really want to help others heal and manifest the best possible future for themselves.

It also means that I’m not faking it.  I do possess the resources – between my masters degree in psychology, the Tarot courses and experience I have and my own personal life experience, I can do this.  I just have to be willing to tap into those resources and create a rich tapestry, a map that will help me find my way clearly to help others.  It might not be easy but I’ve always loved a challenge.